Collapsible structures

ABSTRACT

A collapsible structure has a base panel that includes separate first and second sides, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the base panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The structure also includes first and second loops, each loop having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The first side of the base panel is coupled to the first loop, and the second side of the base panel is coupled to the second loop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and inparticular, to collapsible structures which may be provided in a varietyof shapes and sizes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Collapsible objects have recently become popular with both adults andchildren. Many of these collapsible objects have a plurality of panelswhich may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the objectto facilitate convenient storage and use. Each panel is comprised of afabric or material that is supported by a resilient frame member, withthe fabric or material spanning a portion of, or entirely across, thearea supported by the frame member. The frame member supports theperiphery of each panel, and is capable of being twisted and folded toreduce the size of each panel.

Examples of such collapsible objects are shown and described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,467,794 (Zheng), 5,560,385 (Zheng) and 5,778,915 (Zheng) inthe form of collapsible structures. These structures are currently beingenjoyed by many people in many different applications. For example,these structures have been provided in many different shapes and sizesfor children's play indoors and outdoors. Smaller versions of thesestructures have been used as infant nurseries. Even smaller versions ofthese structures have been used as dollhouses and action figure playhouses by toddlers and children. As another example, these structureshave been made into tents or outdoor structures that can be used byadults and children for camping or other outdoor purposes. Thesestructures have also been used as beach cabanas. Even animals can enjoythese structures. Some of these structures have been made into sheltersthat can be used by pets, both indoors and outdoors.

The wide-ranging uses for these collapsible structures can be attributedto the performance, convenience and variety that these structuresprovide. When fully expanded, these structures are stable and can beused as a true shelter without the fear of collapse. These structuresare easily twisted and folded into a compact configuration to allow theuser to conveniently store the structures. The light-weight nature ofthe materials used to make these structures makes it convenient for themto be moved from one location to another. These structures also providemuch variety in use and enjoyment. For example, a child can use astructure both indoors and outdoors for different play purposes, and canuse the same structure for camping.

Another example of collapsible objects includes collapsible game andplay structures, such as those illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,446(Zheng) and 5,816,954 (Zheng). These structures provide a multitude ofgame structures that can be enjoyed by children and adults indoors andoutdoors.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present invention to provide collapsible objectsand structures that are different from those mentioned above, and whichoffer the user different variety of play and flexibility in use.

In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, onecollapsible structure according to the present invention has a basepanel comprising separate first and second sides, a foldable framemember having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabricmaterial covering portions of the frame member to form the base panelwhen the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The structure alsoincludes first and second loops, each loop having a foldable framemember having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The first side ofthe base panel is coupled to the first loop, and the second side of thebase panel is coupled to the second loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to oneembodiment of the present invention shown in use in its expandedconfiguration;

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the structure ofFIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connection between two adjacentpanels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according toyet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5B through 5E illustrate how the structure of FIG. 5A may betwisted and folded for compact storage;

FIGS. 6-8 are perspective views of collapsible structures according tofurther embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a different way of deploying the structure of FIG. 1for use;

FIG. 10 illustrates one way in which a plurality of the structures ofFIG. 1 can be deployed for use; and

FIGS. 11-13 are perspective views of collapsible structures according tofurther embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplatedmodes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustratinggeneral principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of theinvention is best defined by the appended claims.

A basic embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in connectionwith FIGS. 1-3. This basic embodiment illustrates the basic underlyingprinciples of the present invention, which are applicable to all theother embodiments described hereinbelow. Referring to FIG. 1, acollapsible structure 20 has a first end loop 22 and a second opposingend loop 24 that are separated and coupled by a plurality of panels. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1, the structure 20 has two panels 26 and 28.Each panel has four sides, a first end side 30, two lateral sides 32 and36, and a second end side 34. The first end side 30 of each panel 26, 28is hingedly connected to the first end loop 22, and the second end side34 of each panel 26, 28 is hingedly connected to the second end loop 24.In FIG. 1, the panel 28 functions as a bottom panel that is adapted torest on the ground or surface, and the panel 26 functions as a top panelthat is generally opposite and parallel to the panel 28. Fabric 40 canbe stitched to the lateral sides 32, 36 of each panel 26, 28 along astitching 35 (see also FIG. 2 as described below) and to the end loops22 and 24 to partially or completely cover the sides of the structure20. The loops 22 and 24 can be positioned generally parallel to eachother.

Each panel 26, 28 has a continuous frame retaining sleeve 42 providedalong and traversing the four edges of its four sides. As shown in FIG.2, each sleeve 42 may be formed by folding a piece of fabric andapplying a stitching 35 to enclose the sleeve. A continuous frame member44 is retained or held within each frame retaining sleeve 42 to supporteach corresponding panel 26, 28. Only one frame member 44 is shown inFIG. 2; the other frame member 44 is not shown but has the sameconstruction. The continuous frame members 44 may be provided as onecontinuous loop, or may be a strip of material connected at both ends toform a continuous loop. The continuous frame members 44 are preferablyformed of flexible coilable steel having a memory, although othermaterials such as plastics may also be used. The frame members 44 shouldbe made of a material which is relatively strong and yet is flexible toa sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, each frame member 44is capable of assuming two positions, an open or expanded position suchas shown in FIG. 1, or a folded position in which the frame member 44 iscollapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position (seeFIG. 5E). The frame members 44 may be merely retained within therespective frame retaining sleeves 42 without being connected thereto.Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 42 may be mechanicallyfastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the frame members 44 to retainthem in position.

Fabric or sheet material 46 extends across each panel 26, 28, and isheld taut by the respective frame member 44 when in its open position.The fabric 46 for a particular panel 26 or 28 is stitched to itscorresponding frame retaining sleeve 42. The term fabric is to be givenits broadest meaning and should be made from strong, lightweightmaterials and may include woven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films andmeshed materials. The fabric should be water-resistant and durable towithstand the wear and tear associated with rough treatment by children.

Each loop 22, 24 is essentially made up of a continuous frame member 44retained or held within a frame retaining sleeve 42. The fabric 46 canextend completely across the space enclosed by the frame member 44 foreach loop 22, 24, or can extend across selected portions of the spaceenclosed by the frame member 44, or the fabric 46 can be completelyomitted, such as shown in FIG. 1 for loop 22 which functions to definean opening or ingress or egress.

As set forth above, the first end side 30 of each panel 26, 28 ishingedly connected to the first end loop 22, and the second end side 34of each panel 26, 28 is hingedly connected to the second end loop 24.Non-limiting examples of the hinged connection will be described belowin connection with FIG. 3. As an alternative, the sides 30 and 34 can beremovably connected to the loops 22, 24 by a conventional attachmentmechanism, such as one or more pairs of opposing velcro pads 50 that areprovided along the sides 30, 34 and the circumference of the loops 22,24. Other conventional attachment mechanisms, such as but not limited tohooks, fasteners, buttons, snap-fit engagements, loops, snap buckles,zippers and ties, can also be used without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

The words “hingedly connected” or “hinged connection” when used hereinmeans permanently connecting or attaching two adjacent sides of adjacentpanels or loops in a manner in which the connection is not intended tobe dis-connected during normal use of the structure. FIG. 3 illustratesone non-limiting method for hingedly connecting the side 30 to the loop22. The sleeve 42 of the panel 26, the fabric 46 of the panel 26, andthe sleeve 42 of the loop 22 are all directly stitched together by astitching 52. The stitching 52 can extend along a portion of, or theentire side 30. The stitching 52 also acts as a hinge for the panel 26and loop 22 to be folded upon each other, as explained below. The hingedconnection between the side 34 and the loop 24 can be the same.

At the sides 32 and 36 of the panels 26, 28 which are not hingedlyconnected to a loop 22 or 24, FIG. 2 illustrates the connection betweenthe panels 26, 28, their sleeves 42, and the fabric 40. Similarly, alongthe locations of the circumference of the loops 22, 24 which are nothingedly connected to a panel 26 or 28, sleeves 42 of the loops 22, 24can be stitched to the fabric 40 in a manner similar to that illustratedin FIG. 2 (i.e., by applying a stitching).

The removable connections achieved by the attachment mechanismsdescribed above can also act as hinges between adjacent side edges ofadjacent panels. The difference between the removable connections andthe hinge connections is that the removable connections can be detachedwithout destroying the ability of re-attaching the connection using thesame attachment mechanism.

Openings (not shown) may be provided in some or all of the panels 26, 28and loops 22, 24. These openings may be of any shape (e.g., triangular,circular, rectangular, square, diamond, etc.) and size and are designedand dimensioned to allow the user to crawl through them to enter or toexit the structure 20. As explained above, the loops 22, 24 can have nofabric 46 so that a tunnel-like structure 20 is provided for a person 54to crawl therethrough.

FIG. 4 illustrates a structure 20 a that includes modifications that canbe made to the structure 20. First, the structure 20 a has essentiallythe same construction as structure 20, with the panels 26, 28 and loops22, 24 connected in the same manner described above. However, the fabricpieces 40 are omitted. In addition, two additional panels 26 a and 28 a(which can be the same in construction as panels 26 and 28,respectively) are hingedly or removably connected at their first ends 30a to the loop 24, and are hingedly or removably connected at theirsecond ends 34 a to a third loop 58 according to the principlesdescribed above. The panels 26 a and 28 a are positioned to be in thesame general plane as panels 26 and 28, respectively. The third loop 58can be the same as loops 22, 24, except that a fabric 60 can extendacross the entire space defined by the third loop 58. Thus, thestructure 20 a defines an extended path or tunnel that has a closed endthat is defined by the third loop 58.

FIG. 5A illustrates another structure 20 b that includes othermodifications that can be made to the structure 20. First, the structure20 b has essentially the same construction as structure 20, with panels26 b, 28 b and loops 22 b, 24 b being the same as panels 26, 28 andloops 22, 24 and connected in the same manner described above, exceptthat the loops 22 b, 24 b have a four-sided configuration, and panels 26b and 28 b are smaller than panels 26 and 28, respectively. A cornerfabric piece 62 is provided at each corner of each loop 22 b, 24 b, andfunction to provide the loop 22 b, 24 b with a pre-definedconfiguration. For example, if corner pieces 64 were omitted from theloop 22 b and the loop 22 b was large, the resilient nature of the framemember 44 may cause the loop 22 b to coil into an undefined shape.Therefore, providing four corner pieces 62 as shown in FIG. 5A woulddefine a generally square or rectangular loop 22 b, providing threecorner pieces 62 would define a generally three-sided loop 22 b, and soon. The corner pieces 62 can be provided in the form of a fabric cornerpiece 62, a strap or string (see 64) having opposing ends connected toadjacent sides of the loop 22 b, or other similar mechanisms. Fabric 40b similar to fabric 40 in FIG. 1 can be provided and stitched to thesides of the panels 26 b, 28 b and loops 22 b, 24 b, and used to defineside walls for the structure 20 b.

FIGS. 5A through 5E describe the steps for disassembling and collapsingthe structure 20 b into a compact configuration for storage. In thefirst step shown in FIG. 5A, the user simultaneously pushes the panel 26b and the loop 22 b in the direction of arrow Al against the loop 24 band the panel 28 b, respectively, about the hinged connections. Thepanel 28 b and the loop 22 b are then folded about the hinge connectionsso that the stack of panel 28 b and loop 22 b is folded onto andoverlies the stack of panel 26 b and loop 24 b, so that the panels andloops now rest one on top of the other in a stack (see FIG. 5B), in theorder of panel 28 b, loop 22 b, panel 26 b and loop 24 b, for example.The structure 20 b is then ready to be twisted and folded to collapsethe frame members and corresponding panels and loops into a smallershape.

In the next step shown in FIG. 5C, the opposite border 66 of thestructure 20 b is folded in upon the previous fold to further collapsethe frame members with the panels and loops. As shown in FIG. 5D, thenext step is to continue the collapsing so that the initial size of thestructure is reduced. FIG. 5E shows the next step with the framemembers, panels and loops collapsed on each other to provide for a smallessentially compact configuration having a plurality of concentric framemembers and fabric layers of the panels and loops so that the collapsedstructure has a size which is a fraction of the size of the initialstructure.

The same principles illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold andcollapse all the other structures illustrated herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a structure 20 c that includes modifications that canbe made to the structure 20 b. First, the structure 20 c has essentiallythe same construction as structure 20 b, with the panels 26 c, 28 c andloops 22 c, 24 c connected in the same manner described above. However,the fabric pieces 40 b are omitted. In addition, two additional panels26 d and 28 d (which can be the same in construction as panels 26 c and28 c, respectively) are hingedly or removably connected at their firstends 30 d to the loop 24 c, and are hingedly or removably connected attheir second ends 34 d to a third loop 58 d according to the principlesdescribed above. The third loop 58 d can be the same as loops 22 c, 24c. The panels 26 d and 28 d are disposed in the same general plane aspanels 26 c and 28 c, respectively. Thus, the structure 20 d is similarto structure 20 a in that it defines an extended path or tunnel. FIG. 7shows the same structure 20 c with the side fabric pieces 40 c stitchedto the panels and loops, so that the structure 20 c can be used as acovered passageway or tunnel by workers 68 or for other purposes.

The structure 20 c can be folded and collapsed by simultaneously pushingthe panel 26 c and the loop 22 c against the loop 24 c and the panel 28c, respectively, about the hinged connections. The panel 28 c and theloop 22 c are then folded about the hinge connections so that the stackof panel 28 c and loop 22 c is folded onto and overlies the stack ofpanel 26 c and loop 24 c. Thereafter, the panel 26 d and the loop 58 dcan be simultaneously pushed against the loop 24 c and the panel 28 d,respectively, about the hinged connections. The panel 28 d and the loop58 d are then folded about the hinge connections so that the stack ofpanel 28 d and loop 58 d is folded onto and overlies the stack of panel26 d and loop 24 c. This will form one stack of panels and loops thatinclude the panels and loops in one possible order: 28 c, 22 c, 26 c, 24c, 26 d, 58 d and 28 d. The principles of FIGS. 5C-5E can then be usedto twist and fold this stack of panels and loops.

FIG. 8 illustrates a structure 20 e that includes modifications that canbe made to the structure 20 c. First, the structure 20 e also has thepanels 26 e, 28 e and loops 22 e, 24 e connected in the same mannerdescribed above as for the panels 26 c, 28 c and loops 22 c, 24 c.However, each loop 22 e, 24 e is completely covered by fabric 46 e sothat each loop 22 e, 24 e becomes a panel. In addition, two additionalpanels 26 f and 28 f (which can be the same in construction as panels 26e and 28 e, respectively, except that panels 26 f and 28 f can belarger) are hingedly or removably connected at their first ends 30 f tothe loop 24 e, and are hingedly or removably connected at a side edge 70to a side panel 72 according to the principles described above. The sidepanel 72 can have the same construction as any of the other panels 26 e,26 f, 28 e, or 28 f and essentially performs the function of the loop 58d to hold up and space apart the panels 26 f, 28 f. Thus, the structure20 e can be used as partitions, or exhibits for use in exhibiting items,or other similar applications.

The structure 20 e can be folded and collapsed by using the sameprinciples for folding and collapsing structure 20 c. The onlydifference is that one of the hinged connections for the panel 72 is aremovable connection. For example, the top side 74 of the panel 72 isremovably connected to the side edge 70 of the panel 26 f, so that theremovable connection can be detached and the panel 72 folded on to panel28 f. The panel 26 f and the stack of panels 28 f and 72 can then befolded against the panel 24 e, and the folding and collapsing principlesfor the structure 20 c applied to complete the folding and collapsing ofthe structure 20 e.

The structures illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 can be oriented differently tofacilitate different uses of these structures. For example, thestructure 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as a tunnel, but can be orienteddifferently in FIG. 9 for use as a basket or bin. In FIG. 9, the loop 24can be completely covered with fabric, and the loop 24 placed on thefloor or a surface, so that the panels 26, 28 and the fabric 40 togetherform the circumferential or side wall for a container 20. The loop 22can have no fabric, so that the loop 22 can function as an opening tothe container 20 in FIG. 9.

Each of the structures 20 and 20 b in FIGS. 1 and 5A, respectively, canbe combined together with other similar structures to form assembledstructures that have a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as a varietyof applications and uses. FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 8 have already illustratedsome possible resulting combined structures. FIG. 10 illustrates anotherpossible way in which a plurality of the structures of FIG. 1 can becombined to create different resulting structures. In FIG. 10, theresulting structure 80 has four structures 20 that are combined to forma cross-shaped structure 80. The loops 24 of each adjacent structure 20are stitched or removably connected to each other (such as at location82), and additional fabric 84 can even be stitched to the loops 24 atthese connections 82 to enclose an interior space 86 that is defined bythe four loops 24. The structure 80 can be folded and collapsed in thefollowing manner. First, the steps shown in FIGS. 5A-5C can be carriedout so that each structure 20 becomes a stack of four panels and loops.At this time, the structure 80 will have four side walls that togetherdefine the interior space 86, with each of the four side walls made upof a separate stack of four panels and loops. The steps shown in FIGS.5A-5C can then be applied to these four side walls to obtain a singularstack of sixteen panels and loops, which can be twisted and foldedtogether according to the steps shown in FIGS. 5C-5E.

FIG. 11 illustrates a structure 100 that includes modifications that canbe made to the structure 20 a. First, the structure 100 has essentiallythe same construction as structure 20 a, except that the panels 26 a and28 a are now disposed out of phase with respect to the panels 26 and 28by about ninety degrees. The configuration shown in FIG. 11 providesseveral structural benefits. First, the planar nature of the panel 28allows the entire structure 100 to be stably supported on a floor orsurface when the panel 28 is placed flat on the floor or surface. Thus,the panels 26 a and 28 a can be used as side or wall panels. Inaddition, the lateral sides 36 of the panels 26 a, 28 a can be made tocontact the floor or surface (by extending the length of the end sides30, 34 of panels 26 a, 28 a), thereby providing greater structuralstability for the structure 100. In addition, the structure 100 can berotated by ninety degrees so that the panels 26 and 28 now function asthe side or wall panels. As with structure 20 a in FIG. 4, the fabric 60can be omitted to provide a through-passageway for the tunnel structure100.

FIG. 12 illustrates how the structure 20 in FIG. 1 can be modified to bean exercise apparatus. In this regard, the structure 20 h hasessentially the same construction as structure 20, with the panels 26 h,28 h and loops 22 h, 24 h connected in the same manner described above.However, the loops 22 h, 24 h are made to be larger, and the panels 26h, 28 h smaller, than their counterparts in structure 20. Thus, thestructure 20 h itself becomes a rotating loop having a width defined bythe panels 26 h, 28 h, and with the fabric 40 h and 46 h forming a trackfor the rotating structure 20 h. FIG. 13 illustrates how the principlesof structure 20 h in FIG. 12 can be extended to the structure 20 a ofFIG. 4, where the three loops 22 i, 24 i and 58 i and theircorresponding fabrics 40 i and 46 i define the track for the rotatingstructure 20 i. The structures 20 h and 20 i can be folded and collapsedusing the same principles illustrated above in FIGS. 5A-5E.

While some of the structures are described as having hinged connectionsand no removable connections, it is possible to provide one or more ofthe hinged connections as removable connections. The removableconnections can be achieved by the attachment mechanisms describedabove. To fold and collapse a structure having panels and loopsconnected by removable connections, the user merely removes theseconnections, and then folds and/or places the panels and loops one ontop of the other so that the panels and loops of the structure overlieone another to form one stack of panels and loops. The combined stack ofpanels and loops are then twisted and folded in the manner describedabove in connection with FIGS. 5C-5E to collapse the structure into acompact configuration.

Throughout this disclosure, the use of the same numeral (with differentalphabetic letters “a”, “b”, “c”, etc. following these numerals) indifferent embodiments and FIGS. is intended to mean that the elementssharing these same numerals have the same structure, construction orfeatures, except for the differences pointed out herein. Therefore,additional descriptions of these elements in subsequent embodiments arenot provided.

Thus, the structures according to the present invention may be providedin a variety of configurations in which the number of panels and loops,and the shape and size of the panels and loops, may be varied. As aresult, the structures according to the present invention can be usedfor a variety of different applications. The structures according to thepresent invention can be easily deployed and disassembled, and are easyto fold and collapse into a compact configuration for convenient storageor transportation.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

1. A collapsible structure, comprising: a base panel comprising separatefirst and second sides, a foldable frame member having a folded and anunfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering portions of theframe member to form the base panel when the frame member is in theunfolded orientation, with the fabric assuming the unfolded orientationof its frame member; and first and second loops, each loop having afoldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation;wherein the first side of the base panel is coupled to the first loop,and the second side of the base panel is coupled to the second loop. 2.The structure of claim 1, further including a second panel having afirst side coupled to the first loop, and a second side coupled to thesecond loop, with the base panel and the second panel spaced-apart fromeach other, the second panel also having a foldable frame member havinga folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material coveringportions of the frame member of the second panel to form the secondpanel when the frame member of the second panel is in the unfoldedorientation.
 3. The structure of claim 2, wherein the base panel and thesecond panel are generally parallel to each other.
 4. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second loops are spaced apart andgenerally parallel to each other.
 5. The structure of claim 1, furtherincluding a side fabric that is coupled to the base panel and the firstand second loops.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the base panel isa first base panel, the structure further including: a third loop havinga foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, thethird loop spaced apart from the second loop; a second base panelcomprising separate first and second sides, a foldable frame memberhaving a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric materialcovering portions of the frame member to form the second base panel whenthe frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the fabricassuming the unfolded orientation of its frame member; and wherein thefirst side of the second base panel is coupled to the second loop, andthe second side of the second base panel is coupled to the third loop.7. The structure of claim 6, further including: a third panel having afirst side coupled to the first loop, and a second side coupled to thesecond loop, with the first base panel and the third panel spaced-apartfrom each other; and a fourth panel having a first side coupled to thesecond loop, and a second side coupled to the third loop, with thesecond base panel and the fourth panel spaced-apart from each other; andwherein the third and fourth panel each has a foldable frame memberhaving a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric materialcovering portions of the frame member of the corresponding panel.
 8. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the first loop includes a fabric thatcovers a portion of the first loop.
 9. The structure of claim 7, furtherincluding a side fabric that is coupled to the first and second basepanels, the third and fourth panels, and the first, second and thirdloops.
 10. The structure of claim 7, wherein the second base panel andthe fourth panel are disposed out of phase with the first base panel andthe third panel.
 11. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure isa first structure, and further including a second identical structure,with the first loop of each of the first and second structures coupledtogether.
 12. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure is anexercise apparatus.
 13. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structuredefines a passageway.
 14. The structure of claim 1, wherein thestructure is a display.
 15. The structure of claim 1, wherein thestructure is a partition.